Thumbs: Jan. 4, 2014

Posted: January 4, 2014 - 1:03am

UP

For the county’s first baby of the 2014. Welcome Adelyn Reece Hawkinson. She was born at 9:15 p.m. New Year’s Day to Dan and Jamie Hawkinson at Flagler Hospital. The promise of a new child and the promise of a new year give us all hope and wonder. Congratulations.

DOWN

We’re glad for her, but sad for us. The Grande Dame of The Record Anne Heymen is calling it quits in February after nearly 50 years here at the newspaper. Over that time her warmth and humor have touched thousands of lives in the county she has literally seen grow up around her. She will be missed around here. Her cats, however, will be happy to have mom home.

UP

For the news that the Ximenez-Fatio House has been awarded a $50,000 matching grant for the continuing restoration of the site. The historic house serves as the museum for the National Society of Colonial Dames of America for the State of Florida.

DOWN

Down for a state appeals court that overturned a law allowing states to drug test welfare applicants. Apparently those seeking federal assistance play by another set of rules than applicants to most government and private sector jobs.

UP

For an Associated Press story this week that truly is “stranger than fiction.” It’s just one of those things that make you scratch your head… and smile. Wal-Mart is threatening a lawsuit against a supplier after DNA testing showed that fox meat was mixed in with a shipment of donkey meat it sold in China. Apparently donkey meat is considered a delicacy over there.

UP

For a Michigan University’s annual project listing the year’s more annoying words. The top spots for 2013 included, “selfie”, “twerk” (apparently a Miley Cyrus thing), “Mr. Mom” and “hashtag.” Good riddance.